RESOLUTION NO. RS2010-1158

A resolution requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and the State Department of Finance and Administration to transfer title to a portion of the Clover Bottom Developmental Center land to Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County for the construction of a public high school.

WHEREAS, the Clover Bottom Developmental Center is situated on 362.81 acres along the historic Stewart’s Ferry Pike; and

WHEREAS, the Division of Intellectual Disabilities Services of the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration has jurisdiction over the Clover Bottom Developmental Center; and

WHEREAS, the Clover Bottom Developmental Center was established in 1923 for the evaluation and training of mentally retarded citizens in Middle Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Clover Bottom reached a peak enrollment of 1,563 residents in 1963, but its enrollment began to decline significantly in the 1970’s, with a low enrollment of 144 in 2008; and

WHEREAS, the substantial reduction in enrollment was the result of state legislation that brought a change in philosophy which emphasized that all personnel services were training functions and the reason for placement in such an institution was habilitative and not just long-term custodial care; and

WHEREAS, the Governor has addressed the need to close the Clover Bottom Developmental Center as a result of the extremely low enrollment; and

WHEREAS, the McGavock Cluster Capital Needs Committee established a list of priority projects that include a new high school to relieve the overburdened McGavock High School; and

WHEREAS, an additional public high school would divide the McGavock Cluster and appoint students who reside in the east Donelson, Hermitage, and Old Hickory communities to attend the new public high school; and

WHEREAS, the transfer of title to 45-50 acres of the Clover Bottom Developmental Center site from the State of Tennessee to Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County would allow for the construction of a new public high school; and

WHEREAS, the construction of a new public high school would represent a positive investment in the area and promote immediate upgrades to the local public infrastructure.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and the State Department of Finance and Administration to transfer title to a portion of the Clover Bottom Developmental Center land to Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County for the construction of a public high school.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Bredesen, Members of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Bruce Stanley